🔱 Sacred Shiva Lingas

Located on the Nallamala Hills, this is where Lord Shiva and Parvati resided after their son Kartikeya left for Krauncha mountain. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, making it doubly sacred.

The only Jyotirlinga facing south (Dakshinmukhi), Mahakaleshwar is believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested). King Chandrasena was a great devotee here, and Lord Shiva appeared to protect the city from demons.

Located on the Mandhata island in the Narmada river, shaped like the sacred Om symbol. The Vindhya mountain performed penance here to become superior to Mount Meru, and Lord Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar.

At 3,583 meters altitude, this is where the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva's blessings after the Kurukshetra war. Lord Shiva, disguised as a bull, dived into the ground leaving behind his hump, which is worshipped as the Kedarnath Linga.

Located in the Sahyadri hills, this is where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Bhima. The demon was born from a drop of Shiva's sweat and became very powerful. After defeating him, Lord Shiva resided here as Bhimashankar.

Located in the spiritual capital Kashi (Varanasi), this is Lord Shiva's most beloved abode. It is believed that those who die in Kashi attain moksha as Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka mantra in their ears.

Source of the sacred Godavari river, this temple has a unique three-faced Linga representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Sage Gautama performed penance here, and Lord Shiva appeared to grant him the Godavari river.

Also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham, this is where Ravana performed severe penance and offered his ten heads to Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva granted him immense power and appeared as Vaidyanath (Lord of Physicians).

Located near Dwarka, this is where Lord Shiva appeared as Nageshwar to protect his devotee Supriya from the demon Daruka. The temple houses one of the largest Shiva statues and is associated with protection from snake bites.

Established by Lord Rama before crossing to Lanka to rescue Sita. Rama wanted to worship Lord Shiva before the battle, so Hanuman was sent to bring a Linga from Kashi. When he was delayed, Sita made a Linga from sand, which became Rameshwar.

The last of the twelve Jyotirlingas, located near the famous Ellora caves. A devoted woman named Kusuma worshipped a Shiva Linga daily. When her jealous co-wife destroyed it, Lord Shiva appeared and restored the Linga, blessing the place as Grishneshwar.